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Gotta Gettaway
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2014 10:53pm
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Just passed my hunting course and firearms course. Applying for non restricted pal is underway. Would like to hunt waterfowl, rabbit, grouse, deer and turkey in my region (Bancroft). Where should I begin? What should read? What gun should I buy (thinking either new Remington 870 express or old 870 wingmaster)? Any other suggestions? I want to live in that area eventually, and would like to do so as sustainably as possible. Where the hell do I start as a new hunter in his early 30s?
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Just
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# Posted: 27 Oct 2014 11:29pm
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If it can only be one a 870 12g would be great .works for anything from moose to grouse . lot's of moose in your area this year, we saw 14 up there last week
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Gotta Gettaway
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 12:10am
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So do you think I should go with a new express? Or an older wingmaster?
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FishHog
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 07:48am
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Hard to beat an 870 for a solid dependable gun that you can hunt anything in Ontario with. Either will be fine, depends on your price point.
I highly recommend joining two Forums: Canadian Gun Nuts and Ontario Out of doors. Both have specific hunting sections that will give you hours of reading.
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Just
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 07:53am
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A Wingmaster pump is a very dependable gun !!
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klb67
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 09:45am
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For hunting waterfowl, I would be inclined to get a synthetic stock for the 870 or go older wingmaster to get better wood and metal finish. My buddy started waterfowling with an 870 express - it worked of course, but the wood and metal both deteriorated after a year or two of somewhat harsh use. If you carefully clean it thoroughly after each use, you might have better luck. I wouldn't say he abused it, but he didn't baby it either. If you only want one gun, having the option to switch out to a rifled barrel would be a plus.
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machzman
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 11:20am
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go to chesser outdoors they will treat you right
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Gotta Gettaway
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 05:15pm
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Great! Thanks for the info. I will check them out.
KLB, that is exactly one reason why I am leaning towards an older wingmaster instead of a new express. I am thinking about waiting for a gun show or an auction to try and get an older one for a decent price. I can always buy new barrels if need be.
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old243
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 08:39pm
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From discussions I have been reading , the new Remington firearms are not as good as the older ones, was talking to a gunsmith , that does Remington repairs, He is not impressed with the new ones. Cabela's have a firearm sale on, but may have ended oct 26 , I get their flyer.Or you can look online at their site. They have a new store in Barrie, south end. Also Elwood Epps on hwy 11, north of Orillia. Have fun shopping. old243
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old243
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 08:45pm
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While you wait for your pal you can borrow and use a firearm from a friend. You can start with a shotgun , but will likely also need a rifle. At least a 22 cal. old243
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Flying Wrench
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# Posted: 28 Oct 2014 11:51pm
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Look for an older 870. Newer Remingtons have issues with poor finish, and certain metal parts have been replaced with plastic. It you start browsing around in pawn shops and gun shops, you can find a decent used 870 for much less than new.
There is a boatload of aftermarket parts that you can use to configure it to your exact needs.
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klb67
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 06:40am
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I'd look at a Mossberg 500 too. If you want 1 gun, I saw they have a flex system with interchangeable barrels and other parts. As for hunting, the safety course was a great start. Get out and try it. It would also help to find a mentor to shorten the learning curve.
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Flying Wrench
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 09:31am
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Mossberg makes decent shotguns as well, and they have a huge selection of aftermarket parts as well. I've been asked which one is better, and I answer that it is like a Ford vs. Chevy debate. Both have strengths and weaknesses. I just happen to prefer the 870's...and Chevys....
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LoonWhisperer
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 12:45pm
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GG- I am not far from you (Haliburton) and there were plenty of turkeys bobbing around last time I was there lol. I have my license but haven't yet done the hunter's course. I bring an 870 up with me to the cabin and agree that is a good choice. Can't go wrong with any of the suggestions here.
Have fun!
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Just
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 01:28pm
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10 miles north of 118 .A little incentive !!!
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old243
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 01:46pm
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Just, looks like you had a good hunt. Nice to get them then the work starts. Lots of good eating there.We were also moose hunting last week, grand daughter saw a bull , but no tag. was quite a thrill as she just got her licence. She has a new savage 7mm08 . so well equipped. old243
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Just
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 01:58pm
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should have called me we wasted a bull tag in area 56 .
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Gotta Gettaway
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# Posted: 29 Oct 2014 05:05pm
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Klb- I shave a few friends from that area who will be aiding and mentoring. Also have a family camp for moose that I am going to try and join next year. We shall see what happens. Such an insane amount to begin to learn. ... feels like a firearm is hardly a starting point for everything I have to learn. I feel like I am leaning more and more towards a vintage wingmaster. I check out a couple 500s this week and they don't feel right in my hands.
just- nice haul! I know we are in a rich area for hunting. This is precisely why I want to get rolling now that my cabin is up and good to go.
Loon - I love halibut in area. Just a little far when I am coming from Ottawa. Eventually I plan on living in Bancroft area permanently. That is likely when my hunting will begin to stretch beyond my immediate area. Luckily I am very close.to thousands of acres of crown land just a little outside of Bancroft.
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nimrod
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2014 04:49pm
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I wouldn't buy a rifled barrel for a shotgun. the price of the shells is way high. get a smooth bore gun and rifled slugs that are designed for use in smooth bore guns
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turkeyhunter
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# Posted: 13 Dec 2014 06:26pm
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Just~~fine pic of moose camp...
I got my Bull Moose 2 years ago ....what a bunch of fine meat.
My bull had been eating potatoes and broccoli in the fields...he ate like a piece of grain fed beef.
Gotta Gettaway ~~~ looking forward to hearing of your hunting adventures and camping trips!! Good luck!!!
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